How to Prepare Future Generations for the Challenges in the Raw Materials Sector

Today some raw materials (RMs) have become essential in the manufacturing of common goods and technologies (i.e., mobile phones, computers, automobiles). Readily accessible raw materials, such as rare earth elements (REEs), indium, neodymium, and others are important to industries and allow the transition towards a low-carbon economy. With the future global resource use projected to double by 2030, addressing raw materials through the entire value chain becomes a priority as well as transferring these ideas to youngsters. Some learning paths for pupils from 10 to 18 years old were developed in the framework of a European project, Raw Matters Ambassadors @Schools (RM@Schools), funded by the Knowledge and Innovation Community “Raw Materials” of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (KIC EIT-RM). It aims to increase among youngsters the understanding of how RMs are needed in modern society and to make careers in RM attractive. Thanks to a strategic European Partnership among the three sides of the knowledge triangle (research, education, and business), RM@Schools has developed learning pathways where different educational approaches are used to foster students’ interest in science and technology, in particular in circular economy, and RM-related topics. The pathways are oriented toward a common goal: students are guided to become Young RM Ambassadors (science communicators) and create a “product” to be communicated outside of the class. By doing this, students develop twenty-first century learning skills such as creativity, critical thinking, awareness of responsibility, and teamwork.